Lenny Henry and Stephen Fry confirmed for 'major roles' in 'Doctor Who' series 12

Lenny Henry and Stephen Fry are among the star cast for the new series of Doctor Who, it's been confirmed.

According to the BBC, they'll star in the series' first episode in one of the show's 'biggest ever stories'.

“Short of being picked for a British space exploration programme – and I readily concede that I’m past the age where I’d be considered (if I was ever the right age for such a posting) – then being in an episode of Doctor Who will certainly do as a very sweet second-place excitement,” said Fry.

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“It was absolutely brilliant to be welcomed into the fantastical world of Doctor Who,” added Henry.

“The nearest I have been to the TARDIS was when I played the Caribbean Doctor in the Lenny Henry Show, so as a life-long (hiding behind the sofa type) Doctor Who fan this is a very special moment for me.”

Series head writer Chris Chibnall went on: “Doctor Who is coming back with a bang – with two great British icons in major roles.

“One of the great joys of Doctor Who is getting to work with actors from your wish list. Stephen and Lenny are two of my absolute favourite actors – and to be able to bring them into Doctor Who, in our one of our biggest ever stories to kick off the new series, is an absolute thrill.”

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The Beeb confirmed that the latest series of the sci-fi show, starring Jodie Whittaker as the intergalactic adventuring Time Lord, has now wrapped.

Showmakers also recently hinted at more news arriving on November 23, dubbed 'Doctor Who Day', meaning it’s possible we might get our first look at the new series.

Doctor Who will return to screens in the New Year.